NHBB's patent-pending helicopter pitch control bearing technology

New Hampshire Ball Bearings, Inc. (NHBB) has developed and introduced to the helicopter market an innovative rotary wing pitch control bearing system that offers helicopter manufacturers and their customers increased performance while reducing maintenance and repair costs.

NHBB’s patent-pending pitch control bearing system consists of an enhanced self-lubricating liner system paired with a specially coated ball engineered for superior wear resistance. It is designed specifically for rotary wing pitch control applications, which enable the individual blades of a helicopter to change their pitch angle in response to pilot input.

The bearing system establishes a performance benchmark for this application, as it lasts up to two and a half times longer than previous designs tested under the same conditions. To achieve this result, NHBB conducted over 30,000 hours of research and dynamic testing, which was performed by the product engineering group at NHBB’s Astro Division working closely with NHBB’s newly established New Product Development Center (NPDC). NHBB formed the NPDC earlier this year in order to fully support the emerging technological requirements of its aerospace customers.

Since the product was released into production last October, it has logged more than a thousand flight-hours on both commercial and military helicopters. The feedback from customers has confirmed that the product is living up to its stated capabilities of resisting wear and contamination and extending bearing life significantly beyond previous designs.

Building on NHBB’s commitment to supporting the needs of its aerospace customers, the new rotary wing pitch control bearing system joins NHBB’s complete line of bearing solutions for commercial and military helicopters. As NHBB researchers continue their drive to increase bearing system life and performance, customers continue to benefit through improved performance and reduced maintenance and repair costs.

NHBB’s Helicopter Pitch Control Bearing System
*Principal Use: Rotary wing pitch control applications.
*Attributes: NHBB’s patent-pending pitch control bearing system consists of an enhanced self-lubricating liner system paired with a specially coated ball engineered with a low-friction surface.
*Benefits: Reduced wear and increased life, which supports lower operating and maintenance costs.

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